I Love My Names... But I Have Concerns

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-26-2005
I Love My Names... But I Have Concerns
9
Mon, 01-22-2007 - 2:02pm

Our last name is Watkins. Hubby's name is Daniel. For YEARS we knew if we had a boy his name would be Aiden Lane (Aiden is Daniel mixed up, and Lane has the missing "L"). I hate that it's so popular, but we love the name (Hubby says he doesn't care that it's popular). So I'm leaning towards going with Aiden regardless of popularity. Also, do you think it goes ok with Watkins?

For a girl, I wanted Katelyn... but soon found out people would nn her Katie, which I don't like. So I decided to drop the "T" and now I've fallen in love with Kaylin/Kaylyn (which sp do you prefer?). Her name would be Kaylin/Kaylyn Jade (Or at least that's what we've decided for now). Do you think that name goes well with last name?

Thanks!! :)

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-29-2003
Mon, 01-22-2007 - 2:37pm

Well, both Aiden and Kaylyn are tremendously popular...but it seems you know that. Of the two, I prefer your choice for a boy -- Aiden is a very nice name (although I prefer the traditional sp Aidan). Kaylyn seems more "made up" to me and really blends with so many other names so popular now for girls: Katelyn, Caitlin, Kayla, Kylie, Kelsey, Kaylin, Kaelyn, etc and to me, lacks the authenticity of Aidan. I encourage you to keep looking at girls names in hopes of finding something a little more distinctive/real. Have you considered:

Karen (no one ever uses this but its so much nicer than the newer inventions)
Katya
Kendal
Kristin/Kristen
Kirsten
Kyra
Kimberly
Kathleen

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-15-2007
Mon, 01-22-2007 - 2:43pm

Hi!

My neighbor's daughter is named Kailynn -- it's an Irish name and it's very pretty and a realllllly nice alternative to the ever-popular Katelyn. I've noticed that my neighbors do call her Kay for short and it's very cute! Kaylin is a cute way of spelling it too.

I do think it goes with your last name. Kaylin Jade Watkins. It's very hip.

Aiden Lane is very cool too, but I'm not sure how I feel about the same "sound" in both first and middle names. Also, what if you have a boy and a girl? Would you name them Aiden and Kaylin? It almost rhymes and all four names have the long "A" sound.

Good luck!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-03-2006
Mon, 01-22-2007 - 2:54pm

If it helps, my daughters name is Kaylan Shea. I loved the name Caitlin (traditional Irish spelling) for many years before she was born. My sister's BIL named his daughter Katelynn and it ruined the name for me. A few years later I became pregnant and I decided to go for it anyway and re-arrange it. It fits her like a glove, but she gets the Kate-lyn prn. anyway. It happens all the time. LOL We just correct people. It helped that when she learned to spell, she would spell her name after saying it. LOL

I like the meaning behind Aiden Lane. Both names, Aiden and Kaylin go well with Watkins.

Good Luck!

LMcK

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Mon, 01-22-2007 - 4:29pm

As long as you're okay with their popularity, I thnk both names go well with your ln.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-26-2005
Mon, 01-22-2007 - 4:51pm
Thanks... I don't think we'll be spelling it "Kaylyn". However, I never thought of "Kaylen". It will probably be between Kaylen and Kaylin.
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-15-2007
Mon, 01-22-2007 - 6:41pm
Years ago, in grammar or middle school, I knew a Khalen (pronounced Kaylin). If I recall correctly, she said that it is a version of Colleen. Anyway, it's an alternate spelling for Kaylyn, etc.
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-01-2006
Mon, 01-22-2007 - 7:17pm
I know what you mean about the popularity of Aiden but it is still a fantastic name and the reason behind it makes it really special. As for Kaylin I think it is a great name too and I work with a three year old named Kaylin. Some of the other kids in the class still call her kaitlyn but not very often. Also it's a great name if you are kinda picky about nn's like me. I have never tried to shorten her name to make it faster to say I only ever call her Kaylin never Kay. Hope this helps.
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-21-2007
Mon, 01-22-2007 - 7:29pm
Aiden Lane is lovely! Regaurdless of popularity I just want to say follow your heart. I know some people really put a lot of research into this and I feel unwarranted scrutiny. Just follow your heart. If you and your husband love the name then by all means you need to run with it. I do know a Kaelyn and the name is very beautiful no matter which way you spell it and Jade with it is just a real winner in my opinion...
Watkins I think would fit with almost any name maybe not so much with other "W" names but overall I think you have a great fit!
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-12-2007
Tue, 01-23-2007 - 12:04am

I would use Aiden regardless of its popularity. I think it is a great way to name your son after your hubby and still giving the kid his own name. I think Aiden is more popular Aidan than Aiden ... so at least he will have a little different spelling.

I like the name Kaylyn and spelled this way best out of the choice. My fav way to spell the name is Kaelyn.

I think that both names sound great with your last name - Good choices!